Memorial: Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam (1951-2025)

On November 7, 2025, the Department of English and Humanities at ULAB held a memorial in honor of the late Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam, Professor Emeritus, Department of English, Dhaka University and Professor, DEH, ULAB. Born in 1951, Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam, affectionately known to the literary and academic world as SMI, lived a fulfilling life of extraordinary achievements and contributions in literature, academics, art and culture in Bangladesh. He was known and respected as one of the leading intellectual literary figures in Bangladesh.

Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, Head of the Department, began the memorial by reflecting on Prof. Islam’s professional and academic contributions at ULAB. A short tribute video honored his gentle humorous nature. Following that, Dr. Kazi Md. Tarique, Assistant Professor, ULAB School of Business, offered prayers and blessings for the departed soul, and wished him eternal peace.

Ambassador Nasim Ferdous, Prof. Islam’s aunt, fondly remembered his younger days, and his insatiable love for literature. Talking about his playful nature alongside his great understanding of honesty, morals and values, Ms. Ferdous emotionally looked back at his iconic legacy which will live on forever.

Prof. Shamsad Mortuza, Special Advisor (BoT), shared his memories and experiences of how he met and developed his everlasting relationship with Prof. Islam. Prof. Jude William R. Genilo, Acting Vice Chancellor, ULAB, and Lt. Col. Md. Foyzul Islam (Retd), Registrar, ULAB, both offered gratitude for Prof. Islam’s immense contributions, guidance and influence to both DEH and ULAB.

Following these, Prof. Islam’s lifelong friends and colleagues offered their tributes. Academic and author, Prof. Niaz Zaman fondly reflected on their memories together, noting that his literary achievements will endure as his lasting legacy. Prof. Fakrul Alam reminisced about their close friendship, recalling the departed as being knowledgeable and influential beyond literature, a true postmodernist icon.

Prof. Kaiser Haq, Dean, School of Arts and Humanities, offered a poetic tribute for his friend and colleague by reading two of his own poems, “Finish Line” and “A Study in Contrast” and John Donne’s “Death, be Not Proud.” Prof. Haq also reflected on the close bond that he shared with the departed.

Mr. Mazharul Islam expressed his appreciation and wonderful insights on working as Prof. Islam’s publisher, stating that he will forever be grateful for the opportunity.

A tribute video comprising messages from Prof. Islam’s former students was played, which reflected, highlighted, and acknowledged his literary, insightful, and intellectual teachings.         

Staff members at ULAB, Mr. Liton, Mr. Amirul and Mr. Tutul, who worked closely with Prof. Islam, also offered their tributes. They reminisced on the greatness, kindness, charisma, humor, and guidance they experienced with Prof. Islam. In addition, Mr. Abbas, Prof. Islam’s chauffeur expressed his gratitude for having met and worked with the departed.

Three alumni, Quazi Farhina, Ismat Murshid Khan, and Marzuk Ahmed Khan Mojlish, did a reading of Prof. Islam’s short story “The Weapon,” which they had performed at the 8th DEH Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition.

A video message from Dr. Azfar Hussain, Summer Distinguished Visiting Professor, DEH, and a former student of Prof. Islam’s, reminisced about his relationship and memories. His emotional address gave an introspective glimpse into SMI as a teacher, academician, and literary guardian. Dr. Arun Gupto also shared a video message from Nepal, reflecting on Prof. Islam’s academic prowess, delightful personality, intellect, and his deep involvement with literary events in both countries and elsewhere.

In an open session, DEH students, alumni, former employees, and faculty members shared their memories in remembrance of SMI. Ms. Nadia Rahman also read a tribute message from former DEH faculty, Dr. Sohana Manzoor.             

The memorial program concluded with a tribute song by Dr. Nira Rahman, a former student of Prof. Islam’s. Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman ended the session with a vote of thanks and gratitude to everyone who attended for offering a remembrance and tribute to Professor Islam.

Report by Mirza Ahmad Nuhash (251055008)